SON OF JUDAH

As I wrote about king Asa I was reminded of my own walk in Yeshua. I began with such zeal and since mellowed into a bit of laxity. There are still some high places to be addressed. I am comforted to have daily repentance and grace, but some things still need to be changed. Asa’s son has focused on his father’s righteousness, and avoided some of his shortcomings. I hope someone will notice my good side and ignore the temptation to repeat my mistakes. As Asa, I hope some spiritual son will stand for truth in my place.

And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 2 Chronicles 17:1-5

There is a reward to those who will follow good examples to salvation. They may press in to overcome the issues that hindered their predecessors. Asa is moving beyond the errors of the past.

And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 17:6-10

Teaching is so essential to success for nations and churches. How can we leave the safety of our sanctuary if we are not trained for spiritual warfare? The basic principles of Christian behavior are to keep peace within our walls, and to draw the lost to our sanctuary of healing. So armed we will not be overcome by warfare as we go out to this lost world. Even enemies will recognize the opportunity presented by a Messiah who is open to his world.

Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats. And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store. And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 17:11-13

When we are wise in our warfare, we can prosper in our economy. Our economy in turn will sustain the cost of our protection. To a godly leader there are others who will share his leadership responsibilities.

And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand. And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand. And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour. And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand. And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war. These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:14-19

King Jehosaphat has organized, equipped, and trained his people to be safe against their enemy’s threats. Being in relationship with God is their first line of defense. If they will maintain this primary alliance, they will not need any other. Asa had opposed Israel with Syrian help which drew some punishment from God. Now Jehosaphat has a chance to lead his nation under God.